Environmental groups sue to block Northern Beltline

View full sizeThe Beltline is now estimated to cost $4.7 billion to build, up from the previous price of $3.4 billion issued in late 2009.

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Southern Environmental Law Center and Black Warrior Riverkeeper filed suit in federal court in Montgomery today charging that the Alabama Department of Transportation failed to fully account for the environmental impacts of a planned 52-mile interstate corridor in North Jefferson County.

In their lawsuit, the environmental groups say that ALDOT violated the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires an evaluation of environmental impacts and alternatives in order to identify the most cost-effective and least damaging alternatives for projects funded with federal money. The groups want work on the road barred until those requirements are met.

The roadway is a top priority for The Birmingham Business Alliance, which argues that the road would spur economic development and ease traffic congestion. The project has the support of numerous metro governments.

Story revised at 1:25 p.m., Monday, April 11, 2011, to correct city in which the suit was filed.